LAKEWOOD - The City Council on Monday decided to review and strengthen its vicious dog ordinance, but will not seek a breed-specific ban.

"I think this is more about owners than it is about dogs," Councilman Ed Peterson said as a two-hour council study session ended.

Lakewood's existing ordinance prohibits the possession of dangerous animals and requires animal control officers to take custody of dangerous dogs that have attacked and injured a person or another dog, cat, ferret or any livestock.

The ordinance also allows municipal court judges to impose fines and order restitution for damages caused by a dog attack and to order offending animals to be euthanized.

The council agreed to consider such things as registering and licensing dogs in the city, the possibility of requiring spaying and neutering of dogs and requiring a special license for dog-breeding operations.

The council also will examine solutions for liability issues and stronger standards for the housing of problem animals.

Gerard Spicer, a pit bull owner, said he is pleased with the council's plan.

"I was glad to see Lakewood City Council take an all-out ban against pit bulls off the table," Spicer said after the meeting. "I think they are going in the right direction by looking at legislation for irresponsible dog owners."

Denver has banned pit bulls, and Commerce City and Aurora have banned new pit bulls and put restrictions on those already living there.

The Lakewood council will discuss the issue at least once more before taking any action.